Riding around the area, we took note of the fragile and weakening snow surface across the board. Basically any slope sheltered from the sun has weak snow at the surface. In some areas where the sun angle is low enough, there is weak snow on southerly facing terrain.

We dug two snowpits and in both locations, the faceted snow at the ground would not propagate in our stability tests. These grains have also increased in hardness due to the lack of a temperature gradient at the ground. By far the weakest snow is found within the top 3-6 inches of the snowpack now. At least some of these faceted layers will survive until the next snowfall.

Also of note is an incredibly thin and fragile crust under the surface hoar. The main points are (1) even if the top layer of surf hoar / near-surface facets or whatever is destroyed, other faceted layers under it will survive and be preserved. (2) surface weaknesses are by far the weakest part of the snowpack and will cause avalanches long before there’s enough loading to cause any concerns with basal layers.

Widespread surface hoar and near-surface facets.

Even though it hasn't snowed in ten days, the scenery down around Nebo is five stars.

Notice the wind effect across parts of Nebo. Many upper elevation slopes have hard wind blow and wind affected snow.

Slightly lower elevation starting zones that are more sheltered from the wind likely have faceted snow on the surface. A good example is the starting zones of avalanches paths that affect Santiquin Canyon. When heavy snowfall finally returns, I would be nervous about being in Santaquin Canyon under these avalanche paths.